Dementia

1 in 7 Americans over the age of 70, and almost 4 in 10 Americans over the age of 90 experience dementia. A dementia diagnoses is scary, but you’re not alone. Let’s learn more about dementia and how to manage a dementia diagnoses below.

Overview

What is Dementia?

Dementia is defined as a group of conditions in which two or more brain functions are compromised. For example, someone with dementia may experience impaired memory and judgment ability. This impairment is due to abnormal changes in the brain that lead to cognitive decline that limits one’s ability to independently function in everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

Symptoms

  • Short-term memory loss 
  • Difficulty keeping track of everyday items
  • Difficulty cooking for oneself 
  • Difficulty with problem-solving
  • Forgetting appointments 
  • Frequently getting lost on familiar paths of travel
  • Inability to find words 
  • Disorientation with time

Understand and Acknowledge Your Emotions

A dementia diagnoses comes with many emotions, all of which are normal. You may feel anxious, scared, confused, or even depressed. Acknowledge your emotions, understand that they are normal, and make a plan for how to cope with them.

Learn About their Specific Disease

Whether it be Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia, or another form, there are plenty of online resources that outline the disease and what to expect as it progresses. Understand how their disease will affect their ability to function day to day, and how their functionality will change over time. Develop a plan to help your loved one continue to feel in control and independent, and learn to be patient with them as they adapt to this plan. 

Continue to Treat Them with Dignity and Respect

As the disease progresses, your loved one will lose certain abilities. However, their feelings and emotions will remain, and it is essential to treat them with the dignity and respect that you have always shown them to ensure they are able to maintain quality of life. 

Explore Treatment Options

There are many treatment options for different forms of dementia, both in the form of medications and therapies. For medications, contact your doctor to see what drugs might be right for your loved one. Some therapeutic treatments include occupational therapy to prevent accidents, modifying the home environment to promote safety, and simplifying daily tasks.

Examine Options for Help

Taking on caregiving alone is a difficult task, and often takes a significant toll on the caregiver. Searching for help is therefore an important step to take. Reaching out to family and friends for help with household chores and contacting community agencies to assist with caregiving tasks are two accessible options for caregivers. 

Plan for the Future

As the disease progresses, have a plan in place to manage your loved one’s cognitive decline gracefully. Involve your loved one in planning for the future so they are able to make decisions while they are still able to, and choose someone to make financial and health-care decisions when your loved one is unable to. Finally, ensure that the appropriate care is able to be provided throughout the progression of their disease, whether that be from you, or another caregiver. 

A Loved One was Diagnosed with Dementia – Now What?

Resources